Belfast saw a peaceful passage of a long-contentious Orange Order parade on Tuesday morning as Ligoniel lodges made their return journey through the Ardoyne area without incident. The march, which in past years provoked violent clashes, moved along the Crumlin Road to Ligoniel Orange Hall accompanied only by a single drum beat and a discreet police presence.

A handful of supporters clapped as the parade turned from Woodvale Road. The Parades Commission had permitted the journey to take place on the morning after the main Twelfth parades for a second consecutive year.

The Ardoyne stretch previously witnessed disorder between parade participants and protesters, especially during return legs on the evening of July 12. Tuesday's calm contrasted with that history.

Northern Ireland's annual Twelfth celebrations were rescheduled this year from July 12 to July 13 because the traditional date fell on a Sunday. Tens of thousands of participants and spectators attended events across the region on Monday. The parades marked the 336th anniversary of King William of Orange's victory at the Battle of the Boyne.

Later on Tuesday, the village of Scarva in County Armagh hosted customary July 13 proceedings organised by the Royal Black Preceptory. The programme included a parade and a mock battle between actors portraying the rival monarchs William and James.